Sunday, October 22, 2017

The annual event in Mission attracts close to 1,000 guests, and features food and dance

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by Ken Herar, Columnist

Organizers are working hard putting final preparations together to celebrate Diwali on Oct. 11 at the Clarke Theatre from 5-9 p.m.

The
community cultural celebration attracts close to 1,000 guests, who are
entertained culturally through food and dance. I recall going to Diwali
celebrations locally with current chair Rick Rake many years ago, when
it was done in a small simple classroom.

The
free event year after year has grown mainstream attracting several
business organizations, marking its footprints in the entire community
and leaving a lasting legacy.

It
brings a large cross-sectional of our diverse community together
breaking any perceived barriers that may exist and we are better because
of it.

There are 20 sponsors, 21 commercial and community booths and some amazing stage acts.

So
what is Diwali or the Festival of Lights as it also is referred too?
Diwali, the Hindu festival is India’s biggest and most important holiday
of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay
lamps (deepa) that people light outside their homes to symbolize the
inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness.

There
will be two hours of live entertainment from various groups with a free
ethnic buffet dinner. There will also be a marketplace where patrons
can purchase Indian goods, have their hands painted by a henna artist
and learn how to tie a turban, which is always a ton of fun and an
educational experience everyone should have.

Kudos
to businesses like Mission Save-On-Foods for stepping up and donating
food for the tasty buffet, which is always an attraction for Indian food
lovers.

“I
am happy to support such a worthy cultural celebration that brings
people together from all corners of our community,” said Save-On-Foods
manager Dawn Haig.

There
will be also loads of sweets and 1,200 samosas for guests to enjoy that
have been generously donated by local businesses. To wash it all down,
1,000 bottles of water were donated by Abbotsford Costco. The meals will
be cooked at Abbotsford Sikh Temple and transported back by truck to
Heritage Park Centre cafeteria.

Rake,
who has been working tirelessly over the past four months said, “I am a
31-year resident of Mission and former newspaper editor who cares about
cultural competency and harmony in the community. I am chair of the
Festival of Light: Diwali organizing committee for the second year as
coordinator of the Mission Local Immigration Partnership which is based
at Mission Community Services Society. The contributions made to
understanding among all peoples and their cultures are valuable and
important in our community.”

“
The fun, family-friendly festival helps Mission become a more engaging,
cohesive and knowledgeable community in cultural diversity, “ said
Sanjay Gulati, executive director of Mission Community Services Society.

Other events:

Mission’s
Stone Soup Collaborative presents “Us and Them” a documentary as part
of Homeless Awareness Week. The film brings awareness and shatters
misconceptions about why people end up on the streets. Admission is by
donation on Oct. 10 from 630-830 p.m. at the Clarke Theatre.

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About Me

I have written articles for several publications and been a regular public speaker on topics of race-relations and cultural polarization issues. They have included several television and radio appearances.
In 2007, I received the "Champion of Diversity" at the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards and the Arts and Culture Service Award and a Certificate of Accomplishment from the District of Mission. I was extremely humbled to be the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from Her Majesty in 2012 for multiculturalism and public.
In 2014, I received the Community/Literary Ambassador Award, from the Writer's International Network.
In 2017, I received the Breaking Barriers recognition at the 8th Annual South Asian Darpan ExtraOrdinary Awards. Bestowed with the Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Rotary International. An active tennis player and hold a national ranking.
I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology from the University of the Fraser Valley and completed a second Bachelor's Degree from Simon Fraser University in General Studies.
I am also the founder of Cycling4Diversity Foundation, speaking with citizens about diversity.